Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has praised Kylian Mbappe, naming the French forward as the best player in the world at the moment.

Despite Real Madrid’s early exit from the Champions League and a second-place standing in La Liga, Mbappe has shone in his debut season at the Bernabeu. After joining from PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2024, Mbappe adjusted to a central forward role, a shift from his preferred position on the left wing.

His efforts have been impressive, with 36 goals and four assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. Additionally, he helped secure the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup for Madrid.

Isak, who has also been in top form this season, was quick to pick Mbappe when asked who he believes is the best player right now. “Mbappe,” the Sweden international said without hesitation. Isak has scored 27 goals in 40 matches this season and played a key role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory.

Mohamed Salah has hailed Paris Saint-Germain as the best team in Europe following Liverpool’s elimination from the Champions League by the French side.

After PSG knocked the Reds out of the competition, Salah congratulated their players, shaking their hands and wishing them luck in the final. PSG will meet Inter Milan in the Champions League final later this month, after both teams triumphed over Arsenal and Barcelona in the semifinals.

“I have to be honest, PSG played really well in the first leg,” Salah said in an interview with L’Equipe. “We were fortunate that Alisson had one of his best performances for the club. Then in the second leg, we were unlucky, hitting the post a few times. But it was their day.”

Salah acknowledged PSG’s superiority in the tie, adding, “After the game, I shook their hands and told them, ‘Congratulations, go and win.’ We faced the best team in Europe in that matchup.”

Former French international Florent Malouda has weighed in on the growing comparisons between Lamine Yamal and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, urging fans and pundits to slow down.

Speaking to Racing Tipster, the ex-Chelsea winger said it’s far too soon to place such pressure on the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation. He believes Yamal should be allowed to grow at his own pace without being boxed into the shadows of two of the game’s greatest players.

“That kind of talk is too much right now,” Malouda said. “It can take away from his own identity. Yes, he might be inspired by Ronaldo or Messi, but he clearly has his own style.”

Malouda praised Yamal’s maturity and achievements at such a young age, noting that even Messi and Ronaldo hadn’t reached similar heights at that age. But he emphasized that long-term success is what will truly define Yamal’s career.

“It’s about consistency and growth,” he added. “We can only start comparing him to Messi or Ronaldo if he keeps improving and sets high goals for himself. He has the talent, but he needs time and focus.” Yamal played a crucial role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and was key in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League semifinal, where they were eventually knocked out by Inter Milan.